"One learns from the sea how little one needs, not how much."   Robin Lee Graham

The Boat

     Let's start with the name. The term "fellow traveler" dates from the early days of the labor and social justice movements in the United States. A "fellow traveler" was someone who was in sympathy with the goals of these movements. It was sometimes a codeword used to introduce others when expressing these views held a certain risk. It sometimes meant someone who was a socialist or communist, although not exclusively so. The extreme, liberal views of these "fellow travelers" included such radical concepts as the 40-hour work week, eliminating child labor, the right of women to vote, the rights of racial minorities, setting a minimum wage, and other ideas that are taken for granted today in the Western world. It was also these "fellow travelers" who initially opposed the spread of fascism in Europe in the 1930's, risking (and often losing) their lives during the Spanish Civil War. It is for these early fighters for basic humanitarian goals, and for the ideals they believed in, that I named my boat Fellow Traveler. After all, we all are fellow travelers on this one planet. I believe in respecting the basic dignity and rights of all who share this world.

"Tolerance implies a respect for another person not because he is wrong or even because he is right, but because he is human."      John Cogley



     Fellow Traveler is a Morgan 461. She is 46 feet long and 13.5 feet wide. This design is noted for her roomy interior, easy to handle rig, strong construction, and surprisingly fast underbody design. If I were to have had a custom design drawn for a boat for my needs based on my experience, I would have end up with something very similar to Fellow Traveler. Overly beamy boats can be a risk, as they are inherently stable upside down as well as right-side up. Very narrow boats are safe, but at the compromise of interior comfort, as well as initial stability, which can lead to a wet boat in nearly all conditions. This design, I feel, provides a safe and comfortable compromise of beam. Her draft is about 6.5 feet, so does not limit her significantly in most cruising grounds of the world. The keel is of reasonable length, with a modestly sloped leading edge that should minimize risk of damage should she ground. Her rudder is mounted on a separate skeg, of stout construction, and at least a foot shallower than the keel bottom, minimizing risk to it. I have no doubt there are boats that can do specific things better than Fellow Traveler, but I would be hard-pressed to find one that did alI that I ask of her better. For more information on the Morgan 461, visit my GEAR page.

"She and her kind were never built so that men should stay quietly at home. She breathes sturdy, eager confidence, a living embodiment of the truth that the sea is for sailing, and that strenuousness is the immortal path and sloth the way of death."     Bill Tilman, on his boat Mischief.

Accommodations

Fellow Traveler  is well designed for comfortable living, both at sea and at anchor, in the tropics. There are two double staterooms, one at each end of the boat, and an additional bunk in the main saloon.

There are two bathrooms, called "heads", on the boat. Each is equipped with a shower, and there is a deck shower as well.

The main saloon provides comfortable lounging and eating space for all  at a U-shaped dinette, with a settee opposite. The shelves contain Fellow Traveler's reasonably extensive library. Two overhead hatches and four ports ventilate the saloon. By the way, "saloon" , not "salon" is the correct word for the common room of a small ship or yacht, which is what the word originally meant. Drinking establishments began calling themselves saloons to imply the class and conviviality of an elegant sea voyage. A "salon" is where women go to get their hair done. There is not one aboard Fellow Traveler. Only a "saloon".

The galley is larger than most boats her size, and is located next to both the cockpit and the saloon, so the chef is not removed from conversation. There is a two burner stove with oven, a modest refrigerator and freezer, large sinks, and ample counter space. Opposite is the chart table. Again, an overhead hatch and two large ports ventilate this area.

The large, open decks provide plenty of space to lounge and sun, either at anchor or underway. Best of all, though, is the roomy, comfortable cockpit, where one can relax in the shade of the awning while enjoying the cooling breeze. In the tropics, the cockpit becomes the main living area, comfortable for lounging or serving meals.


Fellow Traveler carries 300 gallons of water and has a water maker. This provides plenty to allow a shower each day as well as cooking and cleaning requirements. Water is a limited commodity on any small boat, though, so conservation is expected.

The Captain

     Douglas Schuch, Captain of Fellow Traveler, has more than 40 years sailing experience. For the past 15 years he has lived aboard Fellow Traveler and her predecessors sailing and exploring extensively, including numerous ocean crossings and extensive cruising among the islands of the world. He has a U.S. Coast Guard Masters License (100 ton, Sailing Endorsement, STCW 95, Crowd Control and Crisis Management training) and has extensive experience as a captain of charter boats, multi-passenger sail and power boats, and private yachts. In addition, Doug has been an Outward Bound instructor, ski instructor, whitewater raft guide, and has extensive experience in the luxury end of the hospitality industry.

Doug is available to captain your yacht! As a yacht owner myself, when you hire me, you have a captain who looks after your yacht as if it is my own. I have seen and heard of too many delivery captains that sail a boat too aggressively or run the engine unnecessarily, particularly when on a fixed-price delivery. I always promise owners that I will deliver their boat in the same style as I sail my own: conservatively, to minimize wear and risk of breakage. Similarly, I have known private yacht captains who lack knowledge of yacht systems. I have always maintained my own boat, including the refrigeration, engine, electrical, and other systems. I have designed and installed my own hydraulic steering system, replaced my own standing rigging, painted my own hull and deck, and fabricated my own hard dodgers. Too many private yachts spend too much time tied to a dock so tradesmen can effect simple repairs while the captain drinks at the marina bar. Do you have plans for a special cruise and need a captain who can get your boat to it's destinations safely, with systems working properly so you can enjoy it? Contact me and we can discuss your plans.   Do you have a luxury charter yacht or multi-passenger day boat that requires a captain who combines the practical skills described above with  premier guest services? I have worked in a leadership role in the luxury resort industry as well as operated multi-passenger day boats and charter yachts. Contact me and we can discuss your requirements.

For a copy of my resume and references, please email me at: lobodoug@gmail.com